Beginning in early 2008, HSSM will launch their first ever after-school program. Sessions will last 5 weeks and will meet once per week for 2 hours. Each session will be geared towards a particular age group, culminating in a career explorer program for tweens and teens. This will be a unique opportunity for South Mississippi kids to learn all about the joys and responsibilities that are a part of sharing our lives and community with animals as they deepen their sense of kindness and compassion. Hands-on activities, animal interactions, guest speakers, and crafts will make the program exciting and memorable for your child. See a description of our offerings below:

Please note: We have made some changes to the dates of our programs. The dates below are correct.

Shelter Safari 3:00-5:30 pm Grades 1-3
Thursdays: January 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28.
Kids will begin with a tour of the shelter that will help them understand the role of HSSM in the community. Safari participants will explore animal behavior (bite prevention) and the proper care of pets. We will also learn why respect & kindness towards all living beings is important and about going “green” to help wildlife. Projects will include making bandanas, toys for pets and creating birdfeeders for our wild feathered friends. We will have a snack and visit with animals each week! Limited to 15 participants. Registration fee is $85.00

Free! “Get to Know HSSM” Orientation Session

We have replaced the “Web of Life” afterschool program with a free Humane Education session for kids aged 6 to 12 that will include a shelter tour, a bite-safety lesson, and a craft. This is a great opportunity to familiarize your family with our Humane Education offerings while there is still space in our summer camps!

The orientation program will be the same each week, so each child should only be registered for one date–you must reserve a spot for your child at least 24 hours in advance. We currently have spaces available on Thursdays April 3, 17, and 24 and on May 1. The program will begin at 4:00 and conclude at 5:30. Parents are NOT required to remain with their child during the program, but they must complete and sign a Permission Form

Summer Camps

HSSM is looking forward to offering the same great camps in conjunction with Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and Gulfport Police Department’s G.R.E.A.T. program that we offered in 2007. For more information about these programs, please contact Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and the Gulfport Police Department.

In addition to these partnerships, HSSM is excited about launching its own summer camp programming this year. Camps will be held for a variety of age-ranges, including a very special junior volunteerism and career discovery camp for tweens and teens.

Summer Camps

Camp Critter Care

At Camp Critter Care, kids will explore every part of caring for the animals in our lives, from learning what our pets need from us to how to help the wild critters that live all around us. Campers will also have the opportunity to talk to people working in a variety of animal-related careers and will spend hands-on time with animals every day. Daily crafts and games keep the experience fun and dynamic while take-home information helps kids share what they’ve learned with their families and community. A morning snack will be provided. Registration fee is $125.00

Session A of Camp Critter Care will be for ages 7 to 10 and will run from July 7-11 from 8:30 to 12:30.

Session B of Camp Critter Care will be for ages 11 to 13 and will run from July 21-25 from 8:30 to 12:30.

Download Registration Form. You may send in registration via email, mail, or fax. You may pay registration fees by cash, check, or credit card in person at HSSM, over the phone (for credit cards), or via mail.

Animal Care Apprentices (ACA)

This very special pilot program is designed to educate teens about animal welfare, to expose them to a variety of animal-related careers, and to create our first-ever corps of junior volunteers, trained to assist with a variety of animal-welfare related jobs at the shelter or in the community. Each day, teens will also learn about peer mentoring to prevent animal abuse and will have the opportunity to interview a variety of people working in animal-related careers as a means of exploring whether a career in animal-care is in their future. Participants must complete an in-depth application and only committed and enthusiastic applicants will be accepted. Graduates from the program will qualify to participate in supervised volunteerism throughout the year. Open to 8 participants. Registration fee is $200.00.

Animal Care Apprentices is for teens who have completed grades 7 thru 11 and will consist of one five day training session on June 16-20 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm followed by volunteering opportunities throught the year. Lunch will be provided.

Download Animal Care Apprentices application–MS Word format

Download ACA Application– pdf format

Remember, space will be limited in after-school and summer programs and we expect the sessions to fill up quickly, so don’t delay registration for the animal-lovers in your family!

Some scholarships will be available for after-school and summer programs for children with a demonstrated financial need and a passion for animals. For further information, contact Christine Harris via phone 228 863 4394 ext. 103 or email at humane@hssm.org.

Transportation: Unfortunately, Humane Society vehicles are only set up for transporting our four-legged friends. HSSM is not able to provide transportation to or from the shelter for Camps or After-school programs. If transportation issues will cause a participant to arrive after the scheduled start time, it is not a problem, simply notify us what time we should expect your child to arrive.